This thread is a weird argument that only really works because it decontextualises our situation. There is an issue that tariff levels would be set outside of our control but that's the fault of Brexit, not the result of a CU being bad.
Within the EU we have always had representation and have regularly deployed it to influence EU tariff rates.
Losing that is a problem (caused by Brexit) but most business groups in the UK actually consider that losing the benefits of the CU will be even worse.
Losing that is a problem (caused by Brexit) but most business groups in the UK actually consider that losing the benefits of the CU will be even worse.
Brexit is forcing businesses to choose between greater control over tariff rates and seamless trade with the EU - most prefer maintaining the trading relationship with the rest of Europe.
And as for this argument, you could very well flip it round. If a CU is so obviously bad, why do they exist around the world? Obvious examples include Mercosur and the GCC
And this confuses our specific situation (needing to stay in the EU CU as we leave the political institutions) with how CU generally operate (generally in the same way as inside the EU, with all participating states having influence)
In summary: a) CU are good for trade, b) other countries sometimes choose not to have them but others do, c) we have a specific challenge with a CU because of the position Brexit has put us in, d) but business groups are still saying that it's better to stay in
